Atlantic Canada’s largest literary event will see the addition of two new faces to its team. The Frye Festival team has welcomed Pierre-André Doucet as the Interim Executive Director, replacing Émilie Turmel until May 2022 when her maternity leave ends. Léonore Bailhache has also joined as the festival’s new Communications, Marketing, and Audience Development Manager.
Doucet will be at the helm of Frye Festival 2021 and 2022. A Monctonian himself, Doucet’s credits include his role as the Artistic Co-Director of the Éte musical de Barachois, which he has held since 2012, and the publication of his debut novel, “Sorta comme si on était déjà là,” in the Fall 2020 through Éditions Prise de parole in Ontario. A pianist and writer by trade, the Knigge Piano Competition-winner says that he is excited to be leading the charge of Moncton’s premier literary festival.
“Moncton is a city where arts abound, and the Frye Festival is one of its leading events,” says Doucet. “I am looking forward to pitching in and being able to contribute to the cultural ecosystem of my hometown, in a new way.”
Current Executive Director Émilie Turmel will remain in the role to facilitate the transition until February 12, 2021.
Taking the position of Communications, Marketing, and Audience Development Manager is poet Léonore Bailhache. Hailing from Normandy, Franche, Bailhache’s passion for the literary craft is exemplified in her work as a writing workshop facilitator and with Moncton-based book publisher Bouton d’or Acadie. Bailhache is also no stranger to being a part of the Frye Festival, having participated in the Prelude event of the previous year, and is looking forward to deepening her involvement with the festival.
“The Frye Festival embodies everything I love in terms of sharing a passion for literature and writing,” says Bailhache, “and I am very happy to be able to participate in the construction of this essential festival in Moncton’s cultural scene.”
Frye Festival 2021 will take place from April 16 to 25, 2021